Do you want to truly understand the impact of international adoption and the complex web of privilege and bias it entails? If you're seeking the solution to this, then join me as we delve into this eye-opening conversation that will increase your understanding of privilege and bias in adoption practices. Let's uncover the truth together. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand how international adoption policies impact children's lives. Gain insight into the support available for birth mothers considering adoption. Uncover the mental health effects of adoption on adoptees. Explore the intersection of adoption and reproductive rights. Recognize the privilege and bias in domestic adoption practices. My special guest is Dr. Gretchen Sisson Gretchen Sisson, a research sociologist and author of "The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood," is a respected figure at the University of California, San Francisco's Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health ANSIRH) in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive sciences. Her work on adoption relinquishment after abortion denial has been cited in the dissent for the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs vs Jackson, Women's Health Organization, and has garnered attention from renowned publications such as the Washington Post, Time Magazine, the Nation, NPR, New York Magazine, Vox, and Mother Jones. With a focus on the mental, physical, and financial aspects of women's experiences following pregnancy, Gretchen's expertise sheds light on the complex intersection of adoption and reproductive rights, providing valuable insights for prospective adoptive parents considering transracial adoption. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast 00:03:49 - The Impact of Adoption Relinquishment 00:11:19 - Cultural Narratives and Adoption 00:13:38 - International Adoption and Child Trafficking 00:14:43 - Changing Landscape of International Adoption 00:15:11 - The Decline of International Adoption 00:17:01 - The Complexities of Transracial Adoption 00:23:08 - Intersection of Adoption and Reproductive Health 00:26:25 - Nuances of Abortion and Adoption 00:29:16 - Reflection on Adoption Choices 00:30:55 - Impact of Social Safety Nets 00:34:29 - Unique American Domestic Adoption System 00:38:31 - Narratives and Privilege in Adoption 00:41:35 - Unpaid Labor and Normative Ideals 00:43:56 - Challenges of Safe Housing for Pregnant Women 00:44:18 - Coercive Tactics of Adoption Agencies 00:46:35 - Advice for Adoptive Parents 00:49:00 - Overcoming Shame and Guilt 00:55:35 - Embracing Differences and Deepening Understanding 00:58:09 - Importance of Good Relationships 00:58:18 - Spreading Joy and Making a Difference 00:58:30 - You Matter 00:58:32 - Empowering Others "We don't value any of those things that families in poverty, that parents living in poverty can give their children, because we believe this middle class ideal is so, you know, undeniably desirable." - Gretchen Sisson Episode with Cameron Lee Small on Adoptees Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices